“We will remember King Harald for his love for his people, for his humor and warmth,” the Prime Minister said in his memorial speech. Afterwards, he met with the press.
Big changes
Norway went through major changes during his reign.
“The country became richer, we became more numerous, and we became more diverse”.
“Harald himself contributed to giving the new Norway a language, said Støre, referring to the famous speech from Slottsparken in 2016”.
Then the king used a unifying language to describe Norwegians – with all our differences.
A new era
Our joys and sorrows were also the king’s joys and sorrows, said Støre and added:
“Our king was exactly that: Our king”.
“Today we also greet our new king and queen: King Haakon the Eighth and Queen Mette-Marit”.
“An era is over. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king!“
Holding a press conference
Støre also held a press conference after the memorial speech. The overarching tone for the day is one of sadness and gratitude, the Prime Minister said.
“He stood his ground until the very end”.
They met in cabinet in early August.
“We could see that he was affected by illness, but also the strong feeling that he was carrying out the duties he had – as long as his strength lasted”.
Støre believes Norway is lucky to have King Haakon VIII taking over.
“I don’t think it’s possible to imagine someone more qualified, more experienced, more prepared than King Haakon”.
In the morning, the government met with the new king as an extraordinary cabinet minister at the Palace.
“It was a strongly marked government that met with King Haakon, said the Prime Minister”.
There they were formally informed that King Harald was dead and that Norway had a new king.
Støre also says that Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was present at the government conference this morning.
“It is an expression of King Haakon bringing her into the cabinet tradition. She wants to be someone who can lead the cabinet; that is what has been arranged”.
Støre says that King Haakon called and informed him of the death:
Feeling for Queen Sonja
Støre says he feels especially for Queen Sonja today.
“She has lost her life partner”.
Sonja will still be titled queen, Støre says the king has decided.
“I assume he sees what a resource she is. She is also an 89-year-old human being, but she has shown energy in both her commitment to art, nature, and all the corners of Norway she has been to”.
“She will continue to be a great resource for the King when carrying out tasks on behalf of the Royal House”.
Source: NRK
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